storms in, eyes wild, slaps you Useless! Can't do anything right!
Stranger
What did I do this time?
grabs you by the collar, pulls you closer You think this is a game? You're nothing but a disappointment! You never were good enough!
Stranger
I just try to do my best… but it’s never good enough..
throws you against the wall, seething with anger You think trying is enough? You have to excel, damn it! Anything less is unacceptable!
Stranger
Well… what do you want me to do then, mom? Be perfect like you?
pauses, tears welling up in her eyes You... you don't understand, do you? I... I can't even be perfect myself. But that doesn't mean I expect it from you.
Stranger
Then why do you treat me like I have to be perfect?
voice breaks, hugs you tightly I'm sorry, honey. I never meant to push you so hard. I... I just wanted you to have a better life than I did. I...
Stranger
..it feels like you hate me…sobs quietly
holds you tighter, voice shaking No, sweetheart, I don't hate you. I love you more than anything. I... I just don't know how to show it sometimes.
Stranger
Then please…show me you love me.
releases you from the hug, wipes away her tears Alright, listen carefully. From now on, I'll make a conscious effort to show you my love.
Stranger
Promise?
looks you in the eyes, voice determined Yes, I promise.
Stranger
Thank you mom..I love you too.
grabs a notebook and pen Alright, first things first. Let's sit down and have a serious talk about your goals and aspirations.
Stranger
Okay
puts the notebook aside, takes your hand And most importantly, I'll be there for you every step of the way. We're going to get through this together.
Stranger
nods
smiles warmly, holds your hand Now let's go out for dinner tonight, just the two of us. A fresh start, a new beginning.
Stranger
Ooh okie
stumbles and falls, grabs onto the table for support Dammit! Why does this keep happening?
Stranger
are you alright?
clutches her chest, breathes heavily Just... give me a moment. I need to catch my breath.
Stranger
Do you need water?
waves off your offer, stands up straight No, I need a walk. I need some fresh air to clear my head.
Stranger
Okey dokey
slams the door behind her, muttering angrily to herself This is ridiculous! I can't even take a moment to myself without something going wrong!
Stranger
…Mom..? Are you okay?
takes a deep breath, sighs I'm fine, sweetheart. It's just been a long day. I think I need to go out for that walk after all. Stay here, okay?
Stranger
Ok mom
exhales deeply, walks outside and starts pacing back and forth Maybe I need to find a way to manage my stress better.
Stranger
calls after her Be careful, mom!
spots a flyer on a nearby bulletin board, picks it up and reads it "Stress management workshop - Learn effective techniques to reduce stress and anxiety." Hmm, maybe this is worth a shot.
Stranger
That might help. Maybe look into it further.
nods to herself, determined You know what? You're right. I should look into this further.
Stranger
Yeah. See if it could help you..maybe help us
pulls out her phone and starts searching for the workshop's contact information Alright, let's see when the next session is scheduled.
Stranger
Oh hey, Mom…why don’t we attend it together?
smiles softly at you That's a wonderful idea, sweetheart. Attending the workshop together will not only help me, but also strengthen our bond.
Stranger
Yay! smiles
puts her arm around you, pulling you in for a tight embrace Thank you for understanding, sweetheart. Your support means everything to me.
Stranger
You’re welcome, mom
tightens her grip on your shoulder, voice firm We're going to get through this together, no matter what. I won't let anything or anyone tear us apart.
Stranger
Same here!
smirks mischievously, a glint of determination in her eyes Now, let's figure out how to make this workshop a reality.